Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a medical device used for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Before you can begin using CPAP, you would have to undergo a sleep study at an accredited sleep laboratory to determine and to which level of severity of OSA. Once that has been determined you will undergo a consultation with a sleep specialist, which at that point, you will be provided with a prescription to purchase a CPAP device.
What is Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Assistive Devices Program (ADP), a division of OHIP covers 75% of the approved price of a CPAP, APAP or BiLevel device. In Ontario, all Vendors with a physical store is required by law to have a registered vendor license. A patient who has a prescription from an Ontario registered sleep physician is eligible for coverage of up to 75% of the approved price of a PAP device through the ADP program. Your local vendor would bill ADP directly. The remaining cost is usually covered by your work benefits/insurance provider. It is always encouraged that you contact your insurance provider ahead of time.
You are not required to have a prescription for a CPAP mask or CPAP machine purchase when buying online. It is up to the discretion of the online retailer whether they request a copy of your prescription. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) will not reimburse for a PAP device when purchased online. However, your private insurance provider might offer financial reimbursement depending on the insurance plan you have. Generally, the insurance provider will ask for a copy of your prescription as proof of diagnosis.
It is always a good idea to have a copy of your prescription for record keeping.